Penne Pasta with Dandelions Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
• STEP 2.While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
• STEP 3.Add the dandelion greens to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 4.Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the dandelion greens. Toss everything together to combine.
• STEP 5.In a separate small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Once warm, pour it over the pasta and greens mixture.
• STEP 6.Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• STEP 7.Serve the Penne Pasta with Dandelions hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to wash the dandelion greens thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
• Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp to make this dish more substantial and protein-rich.

Storage and Serving

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent it from drying out.
• This dish can be served as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.